ALINA’S POV.

    “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” I said honestly.

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    If I told her that I learnt how to fight in my previous life she would probablyugh in my face and tell me to tell another joke.

    “Try me.” She challenged, and I could practically see her arms crossed.

    “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I said.

    “Stop stalling and tell me.” She urged, impatiently.

    I hesitated. “I had this dream… where I was kidnapped. Luckily for me, one of the kidnappers grew fond of me and taught me how to fight. I learned in my dreams.”

    “Rightttttt.” She drawled.

    I could tell she was holding back herughter.

    “I knew you wouldn’t believe me.” I used.

    “I didn’t say I didn’t believe you.” She defended quickly.

    “You didn’t have to say it. I know you, Talia.” I said, rolling my eyes.

    “But seriously, Alina,unless you were some badass fighter in a past life, there’s no way you’d know how to fight like that.” She chuckled.

    My heart skipped a beat at her words, but before I could respond, she added quickly, “Not that there is such a thing. So tell me where you really learned to fight.”

    I sighed and decided to go with the lie, since the truth sounded insane. “I’ve got one of the bodyguards training me in the mansion gym during my spare time.”

    It was risky, but it’s not like Talia woulde and ask around.

    “Now that’s more like it,” she said. “You really be holding back on me, baby. I’m impressed. Whoever is training you is doing a damn good job.”

    Of course she’d believe this over the truth.

    The rest of the call drifted into happy chatter, future ns for lunch, teasing about Lucian’s meticulous punishments, and how relieved I was at how everything turned out in the end. Finally, I hung up, still smiling.

    I decided it was time to head to Lucian’s study to grab the project he’d left for me. My skin was starting to

    prune anyway.

    17:51 bThu/bb, /bbSep /bb18 /bN

    :

    I climbed out of the bath, rinsed off, and dressed quickly before heading toward the study.

    “Would you like me to serve you lunch, madame?” Maya asked when we crossed paths.

    “In a bit, Maya. I just need to grab some documents.” I replied with a smile before continuing on.

    I’dpletely forgotten which drawer Lucian had mentioned, so I resolved to check them all.

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    The first two drawers held random files and half–finished proposals, expense reports, resumes, investor briefs. I frowned at the clutter.

    Nothing for my parents.

    My finger tips traced the handle of the lowerpartment. I opened it and spotted a sleek ck folder.

    Curious, I picked it up and flipped it open. The letterhead read Lucius Stormvale, and at the top was a photograph, Lucian. It was a younger version of him.

    My heart skipped a beat.

    Why was Lucian’s picture at the top of a file with that strange name? The name didn’t ring a bell. I’d never heard of it before.

    Was it a fake identity? But why would Lucian need one?

    Before I could think any further, footsteps echoed outside the study door.

    Panicking, I quickly arranged the documents back in ce and slid the folder neatly onto the desk, it wouldn’t look good to be caught snooping.

    I yanked open the final drawer I hadn’t yet checked,and there it was, the neatly organized packet for my parents, just as Lucian had said.

    I tucked it under my arm and closed the drawer. Exiting the study, I tried to keep my expression as calmly as I could.

    But my mind wouldn’t stop racing.

    It kept going back to the ck folder I had just seen.

    Lucius Stormvale?

    Who was that? Did Lucian have a twin or was the picture there by mistake?

    It probably was there by mistake.

    I paused in the hallway, one hand resting on my bedroom door knob, my thoughts churning.

    “Who the fuck was Lucius Stormvale?”